I have a 05 500 ho, when I start it it starts fine runs for a few seconds then dies then it will start right up an then die , I can't apply throttle it dies , I put in a new battery, cleaned carb, needles fine, the etc is fine , air filters clean seems to have good gas flow to carb.

 

Make sure you only have 1/8" slack at the thumb lever or the etc contact points can touch and kill the machine. If this doesn't help then still sounds like you have a problem in the carb.

 

i think its a fuel issue, the contacts stay open on the etc when it dies out .

 

O-ring under the needle valve can be leaking allowing too much fuel,needle itself may be worn at the tip or the float level may be off and do the same thing. I'd at least install a good carb kit to eliminate the carb as being the problem.Shindy Carburetor Kit Polaris Scrambler 500 2003-2005 Sportsman 500 03-05 Carb Float level needs to set right on this model or you can have problems. With the carb held sideways,the float tang should rest on the needle plunger without depressing it and the float parallel with the bowl.If you look at this post on a Mikuni carb similar to yours,the float level and other items are shown that can help.The BST-40 Bible | Adventure Rider

 

I will order the kit an give it a try, thanks for the help